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After that, Gunsight to Gumjuwac Saddle. Hike from there down to Hwy 35 and ride my stashed bike back to the Bonney Meadows TH off the 48 rd where I'd started. Didn't work out that way, spent too much time on the lost trail fragment to do the whole thing so I'll try again someday. I hope to spend more days exploring the area in and around Badger Creek Wilderness, mostly new to me.
View looking south from a bare patch on Bonney Butte, just off the road below the top.
IMG_5906 by pauljess999, on FlickrJefferson with a layer of smoke on the western side.
IMG_5949 by pauljess999, on FlickrAround the corner for a look at Hood
IMG_5929 by pauljess999, on FlickrThere are some signs at the old lookout location, this one is about the lookout
IMG_5933 by pauljess999, on FlickrThey do raptor surveys in August and there are signs describing raptors and the species seen in this area.
IMG_5935 by pauljess999, on FlickrI was hoping to get a good look at Bonney Meadows but I was just able to squeeze a look through some trees
IMG_5964 by pauljess999, on FlickrTo continue with the plan I looked for the trail going north along the ridgeline. Easy to find right at the last turn in the road before the lookout location. Right down the middle in this photo.
IMG_5968 by pauljess999, on FlickrTrail on the ridge is in good shape and has seen some maintenance. I went a bit further and found one reason why there was trail. Initially I thought this was the typical rogue campsite we see so often in the woods off the trail. But no, this was a blind used in the raptor study process. I don't know if it is actively used or not. I guess they get a pass on 'Leave No Trace'.
IMG_5979 by pauljess999, on Flickr
IMG_5982 by pauljess999, on Flickr
IMG_5996 by pauljess999, on Flickr
IMG_5990 by pauljess999, on FlickrThe view from one of the viewing slots is pretty nice
IMG_6009 by pauljess999, on FlickrThere is a sign just before the blind with instructions on how to approach.
IMG_5994 by pauljess999, on FlickrNot the first time I've seen an operation like this, I ran across one while hiking offtrail north of Boise, ID. At first I thought it was some sort of illegal hunting operation as I ran into the traps first and the people later. A couple of photos follow from back then (2002). I'm guessing the trapping is still done this way given the equipment I'd seen at the camp. Pigeons are used as bait then a net is triggered to capture the raptor when they come in for lunch. Do birds get PTSD?
trap0 by pauljess999, on FlickrIs that a sad face?
trap1 by pauljess999, on FlickrI continued north on the ridgeline, the trail getting fainter but still signs of maintenance. Saw no more blinds but I did see some hawks that seemed to regard me with some suspicion. I popped out at the end of the ridge and prepared for the steep descent to Bennett Pass Rd. Last look before diving off the ridge.
IMG_6054 by pauljess999, on FlickrStarted as a narrow ridge with a few rock outcrops to scramble up over and around. Trees were small and made convenient belays.
IMG_6055 by pauljess999, on FlickrThe last bit before getting to the road could use some work. Some class 3 to get down to the road.
IMG_6068 by pauljess999, on FlickrThis outing was about 10 miles, 3100' cumulative. Interesting sights and the lost trail segment was fun. I'll have to make more trips to this area. I did a road walk back as it was hot and I was out of water and in an hurry. Saw no motorized vehicles all day. Did see 2 MTBers - one on Bennett Pass Rd and another on Gunsight Butte.
BonneyButteMap by pauljess999, on Flickr
